For many pet owners, the dream of chatting with their furry companions is about making sure they feel well. A new nationwide poll of 2,000 UK pet owners by the veterinary group Medivet has found that owners are most eager to know when their pets are in pain.
Nearly eight in ten (78%) said this would be their top reason for wanting to “talk” to their pet, putting it ahead of any other question. More than half (56%) said they’d like to know when their pets are frightened, while 48% were most interested in knowing when they are hungry. The findings highlight a real challenge for owners: almost half admitted they only discovered their pets were in pain after being told by a vet. Unsurprisingly, the vast majority said they would feel guilty if they found out their pet had been suffering without them realising.
Dr Rhian Littlehales, Clinical Governance Director at Medivet, said: “It’s no surprise pet owners want to know if their animals are in pain, it’s one of the biggest worries they face. The truth is that pets are incredibly good at hiding if they’re suffering with chronic, constant pain. But many owners assume their cat or dog will cry out or show obvious signs, unfortunately that’s often not the case. That’s why regular check-ups and understanding the more subtle changes in behaviour are so important.
“Conditions like arthritis, joint disease, or soft-tissue injuries are some of the most common yet under-recognised health issues in both dogs and cats. The challenge for owners is being able to spot these issues, as things like subtle changes in mobility or appetite, are often wrongly attributed to normal ageing.”
UK pet owners are keen to educate themselves to protect their animals. According to the research, more than a third wish they could recognise the signs and symptoms of their pet experiencing pain, while 40% would welcome clearer guidance on what behaviours to look out for.
The veterinary group has identified the following hard to spot signs of pets in pain:
- Excessive grooming – If you’ve noticed your pet focusing on one particular area or spot when grooming, they may be trying to alleviate pain, rather than cleaning themselves
- Changes in eating habits – If pets start eating less or being less receptive to usual treats, this could be down to a feeling of pain and discomfort
- Changes in sleeping habits – If your pet is more restless than usual at night, or more lethargic during the day, it’s a potential sign of dealing with ongoing pain
- Changes in drinking habits – Excessive thirst could be a sign of a pet struggling with pain and discomfort
- Small changes in mobility – It may be subtle, but if your pet is not as energetic in its movements, moving slower or less enthusiastic about walks and playtime, this could be an indication of a pain problem
Dr Littehales concluded: “As veterinary teams, we want to care for the needs of the pets we look after and ensure they have long, pain-free and happy lives with the families who care for them.
“Mobility screening helps identify problems sooner – and hopefully when they are easier to treat. A lot of joint conditions are very manageable when identified early and can help prevent the need for more invasive treatments.”
